On July 6, 2006, the Union County Business and Professional Service held a Meet-the-candidates luncheon at the High School commons area. They also gave the candidates attending the opportunity to speak for three minutes each. I could not attend, which is unfortunate because I love events like this. I was attending a meeting in Oak Ridge National Labs and because of security reasons I could not be replaced. My wife, Stephany, went in my stead and told the audience about me and read the following letter to the crowd written by me.

July 6, 2006

To: The Assembly of the Union County Business and Professional Association

Hello to All,

I elected to run for County Commissioner because I have a purpose. I could tell you my concerns for our seniors. I could tell you how I want to defend the values that make our county unique, but this is the Business and Professional Association, so let’s get down to business.

I have read in the News Leader how most of those running for office always mention bringing industry to Union County. I don’t disagree with this, but I ask what is their plan to combat industry moving to Mexico, China, and India? I ask what their plan is when Union County spends a million dollars to bring industry here and Knox County spends 20 million? What about the other counties surrounding us fighting for the same?

In another meeting hosted recently by you, the Union County Business and Professional Association, Commissioner Neeley from the Governor’s office stated an important fact, “90% of all new jobs created in Tennessee are from small business—25 employees or less.”

That is the future of our County. If we cater to grow small business our efforts are diversified and unlike big industry, our eggs are not in one basket. Our joint efforts must be to bring new business here and help you grow and enlarge your existing businesses.

A short-term measure is to encourage tourism around Union County’s natural resource, Norris Lake and Big Ridge State Park, but our long-term plan will include high technology, because this is definitely the future of business in our nation.

As a county commissioner I will lead the charge with my fellow commissioners to accomplish just that. The Union County Business and Professional Association is an integral part of my plan. I ask for your support now so that, together, we can bring opportunity to Union County.

Thank you,

Greg Davis
Running for County Commissioner,
4th District of Union County